The school will run every Saturday from a purpose-built demonstration kitchen, with two small-group sessions per day. Initial classes will cover Dinner Party Classics, Breakfast Essentials, and Basic Fish and Meat Cookery, with participants learning knife skills, preparation techniques and practical cooking methods.
Each session will include hands-on cooking, with participants able to enjoy their dishes at the venue or take them home. Guests will also receive a recipe pack and gifts. The programme will later expand to include guest-chef sessions, community partnerships and classes focused on different cuisines and culinary themes.
Knight-Paccheco brings more than 20 years of experience across kitchens in the UK and Middle East, having worked alongside chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Raymond Blanc and Michael Caines. His work at Ryba in Abu Dhabi contributed to the restaurant receiving a Michelin Bib Gourmand and Michelin Opening of the Year recognition. His individual accolades include Chef of the Year at The Pro Chef Middle East Awards.
HexClad will serve as the official cookware partner, equipping the school with its hybrid pans for use during the hands-on sessions.
The school will also offer private classes, bespoke sessions, corporate events and special occasions. Future programmes will include family cooking, health-focused recipes and classes exploring different cuisines.
Knight-Paccheco is also the creator and host of the Chef JKP Podcast, now in its eighth season, which features hospitality professionals from around the world.